Proportional systems

How it works
1. Multi member regions
2. Political parties draw up a list of candidates, in the order in which they will be elected.
3. The voter votes for a list rather than one specific candidate.
4. The seats are when awarded in proportion to the votes cast for each party
Where it is used
1. Elections to the European Parliament
2. 11 regions in UK
3. Pick between 3 and 10 MEPs
Advantages
1. It is the potentially 'pure' system of proportional representation and is therefore fair to all parties
2. The system tends to promotes unity by encouraging electors to identify with a region rather than a constituency
3. The system makes it easier for women and minority candidates to be elected, provided they feature on the party list
4. Everyone has equal votes , all votes have equal value
5. It is simple
Disadvantages
1. The existence of many small parties can lead to weak and unstable government
2. The link between representatives and constituencies is significantly weakened and may be broken altogether
3. Parties become more powerful, as they decide where candidates are placed on the party list
4. Gives smaller parties the balance of power
5. Removes individual voter choice

Resource summary

	Created by Yasmine King over 7 years ago